As a kick-off to Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Week, several area nonprofits came together at Washington Middle School’s soccer field on Jan. 9 to sponsor the second year of a community event called “The Gift.” New Generations, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Weed & Seed Strategy, Centro de Intersección y Adoración (Worship Center of Long Beach), and the Neighborhood Services Bureau joined forces to provide a number of free offerings: gifts, food, haircuts, nail polishing, books, bike repairs, city resources, entertainment and more. Pictured are organizers of the event: (from left) Weed and Seed Strategy Site Director Tracy Colunga and son, Quetal; Worship Center Pastors Tony and Belinda; Light House Pastors Bonnie and Paul Thiemmens; (front) New Generations Co-Founder/Director Alma Campos; Volunteer/Donation Coordinator Maria Vargis; Co-event Coordinator P.G. Herman. Also pictured is Jim Lewis, president/CEO of the Long Beach Rescue Mission, who attended the second annual event.
